PAULO BERNARDO wasted no time in underlining one of his essential reasons for returning to Celtic on a five-year contract.
The classy Portuguese midfielder this evening sealed his £3.4million move from Benfica after last season’s impressive loan at the Hoops and admitted he’s back for more silverware.
Bernardo is eager to get among the honours again at Parkhead
The 22-year-old playmaker said: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career. I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the Cup.
“It was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.
GREAT TO BE BACK…Paulo Bernardo slides towards the Celtic crest after scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 win over the Ibrox side at Parkhead on derby day December 30 2023.
“I love the club, I love the fans and I love the city, so it’s very, very nice to be here again. I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games.”
Bernardo, speaking to Celtic TV YouTube, continued: “Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game, so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute.
“They show that they love the club and I think they really like me, too, so I love them.
“I trained this pre-season with Benfica and I’m fit. I did my own work at home to be even fitter, so I’m ready.
“I want to become champion again and I think we can do that again. I’m very excited to be here.”
Brendan Rodgers added: “I am delighted we have secured Paulo on this long-term contract. He had a real desire to join us permanently, having had a great experience already at Celtic.
“From our side, we wanted to bring a quality player who has already made such an important contribution to the club.
“Paulo made a great impact for us at some real pivotal moments, delivering for us when he needed to for the team and we are sure that he can bring that same determination, ability and quality to us over the next number of years.
“He has been a popular figure in the dressing room and I know the rest of the players will welcome him back warmly.”
DOUBLE DELIGHT…Paulo Bernardo celebrates Celtic’s 5-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on May 15 that sealed the champions’ third successive title and (below) the Hoops’ new Bhoy surges away from Rangers’ Nico Raskin on his way to setting up the Scottish Cup Final winner for Adam Idah at Hampden 10 days later.
Bernardo could go straight into Rodgers’ squad for the Premiership opener against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Flag Day on Sunday.
The former Portuguese Under-21 international skipper’s last appearance for the Hoops was against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on May 25.
Bernardo was instrumental in the winning goal in the fading moments when he picked up the ball in the centre circle, sidestepped a challenge from Nico Raskin, raced towards the danger zone and unleashed a devilish swerving drive from outside the box that flummoxed Jack Butland.
The keeper could only paw the ball in the direction of the alert Adam Idah who thumped in the rebound from close range to make sure the trophy was returning to Parkhead.
There are genuine hopes the players can combine again soon to bring more silverware to Celtic.